A weekend in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester

Planning a weekend break and in need of inspiration on how to spend your time? If you’re heading to Newcastle, Leeds or Manchester this January, take a look at these ideas on how to spend your Saturday, to ensure you don’t waste your time in one of the north’s premiere cities.

Newcastle

Afternoon – Completely central in location, Newcastle’s Theatre Royal is a great way to spend the afternoon if you can’t face a full day of trawling the city centre shops. Opened in February 1837, the theatre is a Grade I listed building and remains one of the most historic, landmarks in the UK. Despite the development of the city centre, and becoming a real retail hotspot, the theatre continues to dominate the heart of Newcastle’s Grainger Town. One of the most famous theatres in the country, the Theatre Royal has a 175 year history of hosting the biggest names in dance, drama, music and comedy. If a Matinée performance grabs your interest then up until 18th January, you’ll be able to catch the back end of Jack and the Beanstalk’s two month run. If that isn’t to your liking why not wait for Barry Humphries five day run between the 21st and 25th as part of his farewell tour, with the month being rounded off by a four day showing of Christopher Hampson’s Hansel & Gretel.

Evening – Head down to Newcastle’s Quayside to keep up the high quality feel to your day after exiting the theatre. With restaurants and bars in abundance, the riverside location is a real night time hotspot. Occupying a fantastic site alongside the quays, Gusto offers a high quality Italian dining and drinking experience in a hugely stylish setting. Influenced by the glamour of 1950’s New York Italian Restaurants in a contemporary setting, Gusto focuses on freshly prepared classic & contemporary Italian dishes. The restaurant also incorporates a standalone bar with skilled bartenders serving an extensive range of wines, beers, spirits and cocktails including its signature cocktail the “Mucho Gusto”.

Leeds

Afternoon – If you fancy spending your afternoon being active then Leeds’ Ice Cube attraction in Millennium Square is perfect for you. Perfect as a break from shopping or wandering the city, grab a pair of skates and head onto the ice for an hour of show-boating and fun. Taking over Millennium Square from the 24th January for a month, the rink is perfectly placed as a spectacle, so if you fancy giving it a go you’ll have to expect an audience in one of Leeds’ most popular locations. With bars and restaurants dotted around the square, you even have plenty of choice if you want to grab a snack and rehydrate upon leaving the ice.

Evening – After an afternoon of wandering the city and partaking in your winter-themed exercise you’ll have no doubt worked up quite the appetite. Found on the Headrow in prime city centre location you won’t have a long walk to Miller and Carter Steakhouse, which is easily locatable near the entrance to The Light complex. One of Leeds’ newest but most impressive steakhouses, the restaurant can be found in many city locations across the country, however don’t let the chain label deter you, as the food is of high end standard and rivals Leeds’ best eateries. Offering generous meat portions and a range of sides, Miller and Carter is definitely one to try for meat lovers.

Manchester

Afternoon – If it’s your first time in Manchester, then the city has plenty to offer. Take a stroll and sample what the city has to offer, from shopping in the Arndale Centre to relaxing with an afternoon drink. If you really want to see everything the city has to offer, then the Wheel of Manchester gives you a bird’s-eye view of the whole area from its Piccadilly Gardens location. Once you’ve absorbed the incredible aerial sights, head for an early dinner at Manchester House, one of the city’s premier restaurants. Drop in as the restaurant opens for the evening at 6pm and sample culinary delights from the youngest ever Michelin-starred chef Aiden Byrne who has ‘created a fresh and innovative menu boasting modern British cuisine with a twist.’

Evening – Searching for something a bit different to do with your evening? Whilst many visiting the city will be heading out for an early tipple, why not take in something a little different and visit the famed Comedy Store at Deansgate Locks. The Comedy Club delivers five world class comedians every Friday and Saturday, providing over two hours of side-splitting laughter. The ever-popular club has high demand for weekend showings, so make sure you book in advance for these sell out shows. Catch the 7pm show if you want to head out to a bar afterwards, or alternatively take in the later 9:30pm show if you don’t fancy the early rush.

With plenty to do this January across the north’s major cities, treat yourself to a weekend of retail, entertainment and dining, and make sure you check out our website for a luxurious end to your evening.